President's Biography | Company Backgrounder

PRESIDENT'S BIOGRAPHY

Michael Shane Willms
Master of Event Concepts
Entertainment Design Events

For over two decades, Michael Willms has been the mastermind behind trendsetting events for dignitaries ranging from silver screen legends to international royalty.  A dazzlingly skilled planner, designer and orchestrator, Michael has created masterpiece celebrations for such eminent personalities as Audrey Hepburn, Merv Griffin, Fergie Duchess of York, U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and Empress Michiko of Japan; and many prestigious companies, including Givenchy, Cartier, and the Times Mirror Foundation.  Creating sophisticated affairs that reflect the personalities and nuances of his diverse clients is Michael’s forte.

Michael has been featured in high-profile publications such as Wedding Style, InStyle, Gourmet, Inside Weddings, and Southern California Bride.   He was the stylist for Cory Feldman and Suzie Sprague’s televised wedding on “The Surreal Life,” appeared on the television show “Romantic Rendezvous,” and was the featured designer on the E Network’s “You’re Invited.”  To keep his finger on the pulse of the industry, Michael supports the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), the International Special Events Society (ISES), and June Weddings International.

A born event planner…

Michael’s penchant for entertaining was evident early on:  on his second birthday, he invited 40 neighborhood friends to his party… unbeknownst to his mother.  He began baking at age five.  At nine, he produced his first Halloween festival, causing such a neighborhood traffic jam that the police were summoned.  In junior high, he profitably sold a greeting card line and taught cake decorating; and in high school, he established a telemarketing bakery business, taking orders for cakes and pastries that he later baked and delivered himself.

After three summers at Aspen Music School and four years at Oberlin College, Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree.  Along the way, he gained first-hand knowledge of art history; stage decor and choreography; visual effects; music; dance; costumes; floral and lighting design; and acting.  At Oberlin, he prepared and served dinners at the Associate Dean’s home to a coterie of hip professors and artists.

Following a five-year period in his father’s medical practice, during which he developed his business acumen, Michael returned to his love of hospitality as an event manager in a local country club. At age 25, he launched his own restaurant and catering service, “Michael’s Lunch Box,” where he perfected his gourmet baking, cooking, and menu planning.

Selling the business after four years, he moved to Southern California to work with renowned Rococo Custom Catering as manager and catering director of food service at The Huntington Library.  He then launched Entertainment Design Events.  Michael finds great joy in creating the tone and mood for the special moments in his clients’ lives…and then stepping back and watching unforgettable experiences unfold.